Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing

David Llewellyn reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"Richard was an absolute pleasure to have as a tutor. He struck the balance perfectly between professional blacksmith and patient and caring master of his trade imparting his immense knowledge to absolute novices. The day was paced superbly offering plenty of time to work with the various techniques shown during Richard’s induction. His patience was unlimited and his time spent between the two of us on the course was judged perfectly to allow us to make our own decisions (and mistakes). This was an amazing experience and personally one I will be doing again as I’m fortunate enough to live locally. If this is something you would like to try, I cannot recommend it enough. With Richard you will not only be in safe hands, but in the presence of greatness. (Just look at all his accolades!)."

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you David, I always enjoy the courses and was glad to hear you gained so much too. I will look forward to our next meeting. Richard "

Mike Bruce reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"Richard was absolutely fantastic and sympathetic to my lack of skill. Watching him at work demonstrating certain elements made it look very easy. As I embarked on my solo trial couldn't have been so wrong! Coordination with the hammer and rotating the piece of metal took a bit of time to sort out! Well worth the money and an experience I hope to do again in the near future."

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Firstly, thank you for your positive and glowing review it is much appreciated. Secondly, and most importantly we are so pleased you had a really enjoyable day and hope to see you again in due course. Richard "

Peter Snowden reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"Richard provided a course that suited participants of all abilities. I was able to relive my experience of forge work that I acquired when I was at school in the early '60s and with appropriate guidance I was able to proceed at my own pace. I can recommend this course to anyone."

Philippa reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"We were given vouchers for a blacksmith course as an anniversary gift and chose Red Anvil because it seemed good value for money. Right from the start communications were quick and helpful. We'd booked a long time in advance of the course and weren't sure whether it would be going ahead because of social distancing requirements, but we were quickly reassured that a lot of thought had been given to ensuring that the day was safe. As soon as we arrived we received a friendly greeting from Richard and a comprehensive introduction to the forge and how to work metal. We were then given lots of latitude to try different techniques, but Richard was always at hand if we needed any assistance. He was happy to help us try and achieve our plans (albeit that they were a bit too ambitions!) and patiently showed us lots of different ways to do this, including how to use the power hammer. The day is billed as "a day in the life of a blacksmith" and this felt like an authentic experience. Whilst it's fascinating, it's worth noting that it is also a very physical day. We had a great time, but definitely left feeling that we needed to work more on our core and arm strength!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Philippa for taking the time to write a very well thought out review. I am now rewarded with a ‘Gold’ level award from Craft Courses, with the effect that my courses move further towards the top of the list on the CC website. I am also rewarded by the enthusiastic responses from those who have been on my courses, I am very much aware of just how difficult it is to master any craft. Blacksmithing as a craft has its difficult moments, so for those who undertake the experience, full marks for withstanding not only the technicalities of hammering hot metal into shape, but also for withstanding the conditions of fire and noise. From a beginners point of view, it must be infyriating to hammer away, only for the metal not to co-operate by going in an unexpected direction, or to change into an unwanted shape. Thank you both for enjoying your time as ‘blacksmiths for a day’, it was great to share the experience with you."